Jen Elder, M.Sc. SAMHSA SOAR Technical Assistance Center Policy Research Associates, Inc.
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Transcript of Jen Elder, M.Sc. SAMHSA SOAR Technical Assistance Center Policy Research Associates, Inc.
Expediting Access to Social Security Disability Benefits for
People Experiencing Homelessness: SAMHSA's
SOAR ProgramJen Elder, M.Sc.
SAMHSA SOAR Technical Assistance CenterPolicy Research Associates, Inc.
Presenter Disclosure The following personal financial
relationships with commercial interests relevant to this presentation existed during the past 12 months:
No relationships to disclose
SOAR Technical Assistance Initiative
SOAR stands for SSI/SSDI Outreach, Access and Recovery
Focus is on people who are homeless or at risk for homelessness
Sponsored by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) in collaboration with the Social Security Administration (SSA) since 2005
All 50 states currently participate; no direct funding provided to states
The Challenge
Only about 10-15 percent of homeless adults are approved on initial application
Only 29 percent of all applicants are approved on initial application
Appeals can take a year or more Many people give up and do not
appeal
What We Know Is Possible… As of June 2012, 48 states reported outcomes:
More than 15,025 individuals were approved for SSI/SSDI on initial application
66% approval rate on average, in an average of 98 days
In 2012 alone, SSI/SSDI brought at least $142 million into the state and local economies of these states
$9,093 Medicaid reimbursement per SSI approved application
The SOAR Model Establish a process for filing SSI/SSDI
applications with Social Security In-person or online training on how to
document disability Case managers actively assist
applicants and develop evidence Submit a comprehensive and complete
SSI/SSDI application Reduces Consultative Exams and appeals
SOAR Best Practices Utilize strategic planning meeting to
build collaboration among stakeholders Identify local leadership and create a
steering committee Establish dedicated SOAR benefit
specialist positions Ensure quality review of applications Track and report outcomes
Funding and Sustainability Projects for Assistance in Transition
from Homelessness (PATH) AmeriCorps State/VISTA programs Hospital collaborations Foundation/private funding
The Affordable Care Act and SOAR The Affordable Care Act only provides
access to Medicaid Income supports are critical for safe and
stable housing, which in turn lead to better health outcomes
Combine Medicaid enrollment and SOAR outreach efforts
Incorporate SOAR case managers into Health Homes and partner with Community Navigators
The Future of SOAR Bring SOAR to new communities
Online curriculum will help us reach rural and underserved areas
Increase outreach to organizations serving veterans
Expand SOAR in reentry efforts to prevent homelessness upon release from incarceration
Partner with housing initiatives
Get Involved with SOAR
www.prainc.com/soar
For More Information
Presented by:
Jen Elder, M.Sc.Senior Project Associate
SAMHSA’s SOAR Technical Assistance Center
Policy Research Associates, Inc.518-439-7415